You Need a Filipino Friend—And It's Not Just Because We Always Make Sure You’re Never Hungry

Filipinos! You know at least one whether you know it or not. A couple of notable Filipinos, or at least part Filipinos, include Manny Pacquiao, Bruno Mars, Vanessa Hudgens, and Nicole Scherzinger. But, if you're lucky to personally know one, you know just how amazing these Pinoys are and how you can never feel sad around one. No, it's not because we are a magical people, but it is because of these 10 reasons.

1. Our food is amazing.

Yes, I know this is a pretty basic reason, but it's a darn good reason still. Our food may not be the healthiest, but sure as heck is it the most savory and the most plentiful. If you ever have the chance to attend a Filipino party or "potluck," be ready to take home a couple of to go boxes and Ziploc bags full of food to last you for the next week.

2. We can give you your very own Beyoncé concert.

We sing. We dance. We also love basketball. So we're basically your very own family of Troy Boltons. I can attest to the fact that at every major family party there is at least some sort of singing or dancing performance to provide the headlining entertainment for the celebrant.

3. You will never have a dull conversation with us.

From telling stories about our childhoods and explaining our elaborate family tree to sharing Filipino folklore like the "Legend of Alitaptap" (the story of how fireflies came to be) and the scary stories of the aswang, an evil shape-shifting spirit, similar to our more familiar vampires, we're always here to entertain.

4. Our pride in our culture.

We all know how proud Filipinos are to be Filipino. We see it in the support for our country by wearing jackets that have our flag on them to never missing a Manny Pacquiao fight. Through good times and bad, we will always be supportive and proud of our family, including you! Got a big performance or event coming up? You bet we'll make it there to support you, cheer you on, and brag to the people passing by that we know you and how proud we are of all you've accomplished.

5. We will help you with your ambitions.

Even though there's always that stereotype of Filipino families wanting their sons and daughters to become doctors and nurses, the real reason behind that is our families just wanting us to have enough money in the future to live and raise a family more comfortably than they were. The bottom line is that we just want all the success in the world for you, and you better bet every time we meet up, we'll be checking up on you. "How are classes going? Are you studying well for your exams? You know your Tita over there works for so and so company and she could really give you some advice and maybe help you get a job!" You have one of us as your friend, and we'll keep you accountable as you try and reach your goals and will be with you every step of the way.

6. We make the best party buddies.

From our extensive knowledge of all the line dances known to man to our ability to hold alcohol fairly well, we are always down to go for a night out with you, and more importantly, we will always make sure you get home safe at the end of the day.

Although we aren't famous for our height, we love basketball—and really, watching any other sport as well. Football games, basketball games, baseball games, even golf will be on the TV at some point in any given Filipino household. So, if you ever want a friend to talk draft picks with or need someone to go with you to the next game, we've got your back.

8. We're always there to check up on your love life.

Once you're a part of the family, you too will have all of the aunties asking you if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend or not. But, if you already do have a s/o, then you bet we'll also be asking how they've been, and they'll automatically become a part of the family too.

9. You won't have to worry about being late to a party.

When we say the party starts at 5, it really means everyone get here at 7. Plus, we'll wait for everyone until we start eating, even if you're only "five minutes away" when you're really just getting out of bed. So it's really Filipino for us, the party doesn't start till you walk in!

10. You become a part of a huge family.

Not only do you become a part of our actual family, but you join a group of friends who immediately take you in and treat you as family. I can certainly attest to this one. When I first moved from California to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I basically knew no one. But then, I found my home-away-from-home by joining the Philippine Student Association. I was able to meet so many new people, Filipino and non-Filipino, and even join families through our big brother/big sister program. If I ever needed a place to stay, someone to study with, someone to destress with, or just someone to talk to, I could always find it within my new family. With the people I have met and the relationships I have created, these bonds will surely last a lifetime.

So yes, some of the Filipino stereotypes may more or less be true, but for the most part, it isn't a bad thing at all. Having a Filipino friend is probably one of the best things you can have because, without a doubt, we will be by your side until the very end.

5 Perks Of Having A Long-Distance Best Friend

Sometimes, people get annoyed when girls refer to multiple people as their "best friend," but they don't understand. We have different types of best friends. There's the going out together best friend, the see each other everyday best friend and the constant, low maintenance best friend.

While I'm lucky enough to have two out of the three at the same school as me, my "low maintenance" best friend goes to college six hours from Baton Rouge.

This type of friend is special because no matter how long you go without talking or seeing each other, you're always insanely close. Even though I miss her daily, having a long-distance best friend has its perks. Here are just a few of them...

1. Getting to see each other is a special event.

Sometimes when you see someone all the time, you take that person and their friendship for granted. When you don't get to see one of your favorite people very often, the times when you're together are truly appreciated.

2. You always have someone to give unbiased advice.

This person knows you best, but they probably don't know the people you're telling them about, so they can give you better advice than anyone else.

3. You always have someone to text and FaceTime.

While there may be hundreds of miles between you, they're also just a phone call away. You know they'll always be there for you even when they can't physically be there.

4. You can plan fun trips to visit each other.

When you can visit each other, you get to meet the people you've heard so much about and experience all the places they love. You get to have your own college experience and, sometimes, theirs, too.

5. You know they will always be a part of your life.

If you can survive going to school in different states, you've both proven that your friendship will last forever. You both care enough to make time for the other in the midst of exams, social events, and homework.

Dear African-American Parents, You've Raised Some Strong Children

I feel like I was lucky to be born in Black History Month. I mean, the culture, the new information that I discover, everything about Black History Month is my favorite. I also get to celebrate my mom (but when do I not celebrate her?) more than usual.

I've always looked up to my mother and it shows in how I act, speak, talk, walk, and write. She is a powerhouse and I know that she's tired, but I'd like to think of my brother and me being her motivation to keep pushing forward and not quitting. She's taught me more in 19 years than any textbook in school could have and she's taking on life, single and with her head held high because that's the type of woman she is. She's had to tackle raising my brother and me alone while helping us with homework, cheering us on at games and recitals, cooking our favorite meals, and putting us through college. She's superwoman in my eyes and I can only hope that I can be like this when I become a mother.

To all other African-American parents, you may not realize this, but you've raised some of the strongest children ever. You've given them reasons to stay in school and it's totally cliché, but you're the reason they want to buy their mother a new house or get their father a new truck. You're exposing them to the horrors of the world before the rest of society wakes up and sees the truth — it scares us at first, but you have to tell us otherwise we look stupid and you don't want your babies walking around with their heads down because they were unaware of the hatred that they had to endure because of a slight difference they have.

You made us understand that we should not be judged by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character and that we are not who society has stereotyped us to be. You've done an amazing job and I couldn't be any happier to be in such an amazing community.